Male pattern baldness is a common hair loss condition in men, synonymous to female pattern hair loss that occur in women. It affects around 50 percent of men over the age of 40 and can lead to a low self esteem. The condition is caused by a gradual decrease in hair follicles, which makes hair fall out. The cause can be genetics, environmental factors such as stress or pollution, or scalp problems like dandruff or seborrhea. There is no single cure for pattern balding in men, but treatments include medications, hair restoration surgery, and hair replacement products. This article contains all facts you need to know about the condition, including its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
Facts on male pattern baldness
Male pattern baldness, a form of androgenetic alopecia, is a condition in which the hair on the top of the head, often called the crown, falls out in large patches. The exact cause is not known, but it tends to run in families. The following are the factors that contribute to the occurrence of pattern balding in males, as well as its symptoms.
Causes
Pattern hair loss in males is a common condition in which the hair on the top of the head gradually recedes and falls out. There are many possible reasons for this loss of hair, including genetics, hormones, and other factors. Some men may experience male pattern balding as a result of a medical condition, such as prostate cancer or thyroid disease. Other causes include environmental factors, such as exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun or industrial chemicals.
Dermal papilla cells are responsible for the production of hair on the skin. In men, these cells produce less hair as they age, which is a contributing factor to male hair loss. Up to half of male Caucasians will experience some degree of hair loss by age 50, and possibly as many as 80% by the age of 70 years, while other population groups such as Japanese and Chinese men are far less affected. The severity of hair loss can be classified in several ways.
Symptoms
Pattern balding is a condition in which men lose hair on their crown, or top of their head, over time. The hair can be thin, sparse, and curly. Men may experience hair thinning and receding hairline, leading to a noticeable decrease in hair density. There is no one cause for pattern balding in men, but it is typically a result of genetics and can run in families. It can lead to a noticeable decrease in hair density, and eventually baldness. Many men experience mild symptoms early on in the disease process and do not realize how much hair they are losing until it is quite advanced.
Diagnosis
Men pattern balding, also called androgenetic alopecia, affects around 50 million men in the United States. Though there is no single, definitive diagnosis, doctors may use a variety of methods to determine whether a man has pattern hair loss. These methods may include a physical examination and history, hair analysis, and imaging technologies like hair scans or CT scans. Treatment options typically depend on the severity of the baldness and the person’s overall health. Early detection and treatment of pattern balding in males can restore some hair loss. Pattern balding in males can be diagnosed with a simple test that uses a magnifying glass.
Treatment
Pattern baldness is a common problem that affects men of all ages. There are many treatments available, but the most effective one would depend on the severity of the condition and individual needs and preferences. Some of these treatments seem to be most effective when used early on, rather than when a lot of hair has already been lost. Others seem best used to prevent further hair loss, but some hair regrowth occurs in some users. Below are treatment options to address pattern hair loss in men.
Laser and light treatment
Laser and light therapy are two popular methods used to treat hair loss. While both treatments offer potential benefits, there is still much research needed to determine which one is best for individual patients. Laser hair removal uses a focused beam of light to destroy scalp hair follicles, while light therapy uses lasers or lightboxes to stimulate the growth of new hair. Both treatments can be costly, and results may vary depending on the patient’s skin type and hair density.
Transplantation
Hair transplantation for pattern hair loss in males has been growing in popularity in recent years. The treatment works by transplanting scalp hair follicles from another part of the body to the balding area. This can be done through surgery or using a drug to induce growth of hair. The success rate for hair transplant is over 90 percent, and the procedure can be done on an outpatient basis.
Minoxidil
Minoxidil (also known as Minoxidil Topical Solution) is a topical treatment for pattern balding in men. It is a drug that was originally developed to treat hypertension and is now used to treat other conditions, such as heart disease and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). In clinical trials, minoxidil was shown to be effective in treating men’s pattern balding.
Rogaine, a solution that is applied directly to the scalp to stimulate the hair follicles, is the most popular type of minoxidil. It slows hair loss for many men, and some men grow new hair. Hair loss returns when you stop using this medicine. Minoxidil can be used as a standalone treatment or in combination with other treatments such as oral contraceptives, hair transplants, or laser therapy.
Finasteride and dutasteride
Finasteride and dutasteride are two types of drugs that are used to treat male pattern hair loss (MPHL). It is a potent and selective antagonist of type II 5 alpha-reductase, and is not an anti-androgen. 5 alpha-reductase converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT binding to the scalp hair follicle androgen receptors produces MAA. The drugs work by stopping the growth of hair on the head. However, side effects may include sexual dysfunction.
They are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in men over the age of 18. Finasteride is available as a pill and dutasteride is available as a cream. The drugs are also available in a topical form.
Medication
There are several different medications available that can help treat pattern baldness in men. Some medications use drugs to stimulate hair growth while others use drugs to block hair loss. Some of the most common medications used to treat pattern balding in males include minoxidil, finasteride, dutasteride, and testosterone injections. Each has its own set of side effects and requires careful monitoring by a doctor.
Shampoo treatments
Some men find shampoo treatments helpful in managing their pattern hair loss. These treatments can be as simple as using a moisturizing shampoo or using a product that includes caffeine, herbs, or vitamins. There are also shampoos specifically designed for male pattern hair loss that contain ingredients such as minoxidil or DHT blockers.
Other options
There are many treatment options for men’s pattern baldness. These include hair transplants, laser treatments, and topical and oral medications. Other options for treatment, such as prescription drugs or light therapy, are less invasive and may be more affordable. Scalp reduction surgery is also a common choice for those who are not satisfied with the results of hair transplants or laser treatments.
Not all men opt for treatment or even expect their hair to continue to grow naturally. Some men will opt for a hairpiece or wig. Other options include changing the hairstyle, shaving the head, or increasing facial hair.
Hair loss is a common problem and can be difficult to manage. The American Academy of Dermatology has tips on how to deal with hair loss. This includes understanding your options, finding the right treatment, and managing your expectations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, male pattern baldness is a common type of hair loss that affects many men. It is caused by a combination of genetics and hormones and can be treated with medication or surgery. While there is no cure for the condition, there are treatments available that can help you keep your hair. If you are experiencing symptoms of men pattern balding, talk to your doctor about the best course of treatment for you.
FAQ
What causes male pattern balding?
Men pattern balding is a common condition in which men notice hair loss on the top of their heads. The cause of pattern balding in men is not known exactly, but there are several possible explanations. Genetics may play a role, as certain genes may increase the likelihood of developing this condition. Other factors that may contribute to men pattern balding include hormones, lifestyle choices, and age.
Does male pattern baldness mean you will go bald?
Most men will lose some hair during their lifetime, but a high percentage of men experience male pattern baldness (MPB). While there is no one answer to whether or not MPB means you will go bald, the condition is typically associated with a higher risk of hair loss.
How do you fight male pattern baldness?
Men pattern hair loss is a condition in which men experience a gradual loss of hair on the top of their head. There are many different treatments for pattern balding in males, but the most common is hair replacement therapy. This involves surgically attaching artificial hair to the scalp. There are also other treatments available, such as using drugs to stimulate hair growth or using laser therapy to burn away hair at the root.
Is male pattern baldness caused by stress?
Pattern baldness in males is a condition that affects more than 60 million men in the United States alone. Though there isn’t a definitive answer as to what causes the disease, some believe that it may be due to stress. A study published in the journal “JAMA Dermatology” found that men with men pattern balding were 2.5 times more likely to experience symptoms of stress than men without baldness.
What are the different types of male pattern baldness?
Pattern hair loss in men is a condition where they experience a significant loss of hair on the top of their heads. There are three main types of pattern balding in men: common, classic, and terminal. Classic male pattern baldness is the most common and affects around 60% of men over the age of 30. Terminal male pattern baldness is the least common, affecting around 5% of men over the age of 30.